Preview: Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory

Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory enter Saturday’s meeting in the knowledge it is a must-win match, albeit for very different reasons.

The visiting Melbournians are marooned at the bottom of the ladder as we approach the middle round of the competition, and must start collecting wins on a regular basis.

The Glory, for their part, will surely have earmarked this contest as three points up for grabs.

It will, however, be far from easy. The pair last met on the opening day of the season with Perth securing a 2-1 comeback win over their rivals.

Sam Kerr scored both the goals on that occasion, but the captain is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a nasty foot injury a fortnight ago.

And with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and midfielder Caitlin Foord away on Westfield Matildas duty, the Glory are severely weekend in comparison to that match last month.

The Victory, though, are arguably stronger and this week will see the debut of England and Liverpool forward Natasha Dowie. Her combination with inspirational American midfielder Christine Nairn will be one to watch.

The Victory also welcome back captain and goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri from suspension, while Hayley Raso is available after missing Westfield Matildas selection.

The table says Perth Glory will start as warm favourites, but the outcome of this fascinating contest is likely to go down to the wire.